The Inside Story of Song Leading

Congregational Singing - Cleveland Baptist Church - WCG Style!

The opportunity of being a regular song leader in services was an amazing experience - one that started with having the opportunity of leading songs for the entire camp at SEP in front of Bernie Schnippert, Greg Albrecht (I think), and other evangelists and ministers of the Church when I was 16 years old. A few years later, the Local Preaching Elder placed me on the permanent list of song leaders for Sabbath Services. There was a lot more to it than it looks. Or so it seemed. 

You were required to coordinate with the local pastor as to the songs you had chosen. The intention was for the songs to match the message material - both with the Sermonette and with the Sermon. Therefore, a call to the Local Pastor was required a few days before to get things coordinated. But it was never as easy as it seemed. 

Sometimes, the Sermonette Speaker had not completed what they were going to speak on as of yet. Other times, even the Pastor hadn't yet completed the message. At times it was Friday night when everything finally came together. 

Then, you had to know exactly who the Piano Player was, and give them a call. If you had a novice pianist that week, and you picked a song they could not play, you could embarrass the Pianist big-time that morning. Then, you have to switch out the song - AND get approval from the Pastor that you switched the song out. Doing so could be hairy - you never know exactly what you might be interrupting tapping the Pastor on the shoulder to explain the situation. Also. If you did not contact the Pianist, for whatever reason, you will have to get there super early to ensure that everything is in order. In a perfect world, everything should have been in order a few days before the service. 

Then there's the song choices. There was an unwritten rule in song leading: Avoid the "Bad Songs". Now, the bad songs were the ones that just were never sung. Songs like "The Wicked Man" - rarely ever sung - well, at least in our congregation. Some of them were best for opening hymns like "O Come And Let Us Worship Him." Others were good for the middle songs, such as "He shall Reign Forevermore" or "Bless the Lord Eternal Oh My Soul". And then there were the classics for the closing hymn like "Go Ye Therefore Into All The World". 

There was even formalities to simple things - like when to walk up - or get ready to walk up. Paying attention was critical. You did not want to get caught with a briefcase, bible, notebook, and a pen in hand if the pastor abruptly ended the service. You learned the cues, and as soon as he started walking away from the Lectern, you'd better be ready to walk on up and get the song service started pronto. 

Then, there was choosing the opening and closing prayer people. You'd think it would be really easy to pick a person. Truthfully though - some really didn't want to do it! But you always knew who would. You just couldn't pick them too often. Those on the list were to be rotated evenly. And that could sometimes be a challenge. 

The actual song-leading itself was an art. There were 3/4 time songs with its associated pattern. (wide out, in up, then down). There were 4/4 songs (in, wide out, up and in, down). Then there were 6/8 songs (same as 3/4 but fast.) When you got good enough, it was fun to add in "flairs" to the song-leading. You could do it with one hand only, then back to two hands, stop singing for a stanza, and so on and so forth. 

Conducting the audience was also expected. On 4-verse songs, it would be expected to alternate between men and women, or loud vs. soft. Some songs had a built in hold at the end - just make sure you don't have them hold too long. (Some did). Also, encouraging full participation was expected. 

Before the service began, about 2 or 4 minutes or so, go up to the lectern, and stand there for about 30 seconds. Then, say the following scripted message:

"May I have your attention please. Services will begin in about three minutes. Please begin finding your seats." Or, mix it up. "May I have your attention please. Please begin finding your seats, services will begin in about three minutes." 

At that time, stand there for about 30 seconds. Make sure your papers are in order, and you have your little song-leader's song card printed from Headquarters. Then go over and chat a bit with the pianist. Watch for the cue of the Pastor that you should begin. Then, go back to the lectern, and just get into it. 

"Good morning everyone, welcome to services on God's Sabbath Services, certainly wonderful weather out today, and a great day to come together as God's People to sing songs of praise."

Then the standard:

"Would you all please take up your hymnals (Take your hands in an upsweep) and rise, (everyone would rise or find their seats or both), turn in your hymnals to page ___, ____." Then, a polite nod to the Pianist, who would instantly begin the introduction to the song. When that's over, you're off and running for the first three songs. 

You did have to be careful though, not to pay too much attention to one particular person. You might see a friend or a buddy out there who might wish to make you crack a smile or two. You did not want that to happen. Cracking up leading songs could throw you off the list for good. Pick a spot to stare at in the back wall if you get the crack-ups. 

Introducing the speakers was always the same too. Sometimes you had to be creative when introducing the first speaker or the annoucements guy, or the Sermon speaker. Usually, though, it was the same: 

"Thank you for that beautiful singing. Please be seated. And now for the sermonette this morning, a (compliment the person and give title) of the (city name) church, Mr. (name). Then pick up your hymnal and shake the hand of the speaker (you didn't have to do this) and leave the lectern and find your seat. 

In a perfect world, this would be how it went. But not always. 

Sometimes the sound system would not cooperate. Feedback would interfere. The pianist would go too fast or too slow. Or off rhythym. Or completely and totally hit the wrong keys. Maintaining the service was the challenge in the problems that arose. And yes, they did arise. Also, always check to make sure YOUR FLY IS UP WHEN YOU GO UP THERE. And that your shirt is tucked in. 

When the service is all over, then you stand up there, talk with the closing prayer guy, grab your hymnal and papers, and walk off the stage. It's over for another rotation. 

I chose the above video because it is a near perfect example of what our song service and song leading was like. It's nearly haunting listening to it. And to this day, when I hear such songs as "Onward Christian Soldiers", it's easy to raise your hands and just lead songs to nobody in your own seclusion in your own house. 

Just keep your curtains closed. Anyone looking in - They might think you're having a weird seizure or something, especially on a fast song! ;) Or simply flapping away trying to fly.